To put it simply, mobilisation is a manual therapy technique that helps make joints more mobile. Physiotherapists frequently use this technique. Sometimes a joint is unable to move through its full range of motion. For example, you may find it difficult to look behind you because you cannot turn your head fully to one side. Or maybe your shoulder will only lift so far. This is often because the joint capsule has tightened and/or because muscles are restricting the movement. A physiotherapist can perform mobilisation techniques to free up the joint and restore the full range of motion. This should reduce your symptoms and make it easier to move.

There are different types of mobilisation. In physiotherapy, a general distinction is made between ‘passive’ and ‘active’ mobilisation. In the case of passive mobilisation, you do not have to do anything. The physiotherapist moves the joint or part of your body being treated while it is relaxed. In the case of active mobilisation, you are given exercises to do that involve moving the joint. These two forms of mobilisation can also be combined, with the physiotherapist assisting while you actively move the joint. This is referred to as ‘supervised active mobilisation’.